Simple – Complex – Compound Rules with Examples
1. too…to / so…that / very…and
Simple: The box was too heavy to lift.
Complex: The box was so heavy that I could not lift it.
Compound: The box was very heavy, and I could not lift it.
2. in spite of / though / but
Simple: In spite of the rain, they played football.
Complex: Though it was raining, they played football.
Compound: It was raining, but they played football.
3. to / so that / and
Simple: He worked hard to pass the exam.
Complex: He worked hard so that he could pass the exam.
Compound: He worked hard, and he passed the exam.
4. by + Ving / if / and (imperative)
Simple: You can save money by eating at home.
Complex: You can save money if you eat at home.
Compound: Eat at home, and you will save money.
5. without + Ving / unless / or
Simple: Without studying, you will fail.
Complex: You will fail unless you study.
Compound: Study, or you will fail.
6. Present participle / when / and
Simple: Seeing the police, the thief ran away.
Complex: The thief ran away when he saw the police.
Compound: He saw the police, and he ran away.
7. because of / since / and
Simple: He stayed home because of the cold.
Complex: He stayed home since it was cold.
Compound: It was cold, and he stayed home.
8. in/on/at/during / when / and
Simple: He woke up at sunrise.
Complex: He woke up when the sun rose.
Compound: The sun rose, and he woke up.